Density measurement meets high-tech powder pressing in Bavaria

What awaits you here:

1. A TRIP TO KOCHEL AM SEE
2. BACKGROUND TO DENSITY MEASUREMENT IN POWDER MOULDING
3. INFLUENCE ON MOULDING AND QUALITY
4. CHALLENGES AND SOLUTIONS
5. PRECISION AND OPTIMISATION
6. CONCLUSION

A trip to Kochel am See

Last week marked a milestone in the world of high-tech powder compaction and density measurement. Our state-of-the-art machine for automatic density measurement travelled to the picturesque south of Bavaria, to Kochel am See to be precise. There we had the pleasure of presenting our system during the DORST Technology Days.

SOURCE: Lumen21 (film production company, www.lumen21.de)

Background to density measurement in powder compacting

Density measurement plays a crucial role in powder metallurgy, a branch of manufacturing that deals with the production and further processing of metal powders. Density is a key parameter in this process. In powder pressing, the setting of the filling height of the mould is crucial, as it determines the density of the product achieved. This adjustment is made via the filling shoe, whereby more powder can even be filled in specific regions in order to adjust the density locally. Density is a key parameter that influences not only the quality but also the physical properties of the end product. Modern methods of density determination allow these values to be set very precisely, which is essential for the precise adjustment of pressing movements.

Influence on shape and quality

The travel path of the press or the mould dies determines the final shape of the component. Here, the amount of powder filled in is a critical factor for the density of the end product. In powder metallurgy, which is characterised by the mechanical compaction of metal powders, the accuracy of these processes is largely determined by the precise control of density. The quality and properties of the sintered components depend heavily on the accuracy of these initial steps.

Challenges and solutions

Previously, many measurements and settings in this process were made manually, which was a source of error. Manual data collection and input is prone to inaccuracies, which can affect the consistency and quality of the products. The idea of transmitting measurement data directly to the relevant presses therefore represents a significant improvement. This approach not only minimises sources of error, but also simplifies the adjustment process, resulting in more efficient production.

Precision and optimisation

The high accuracy of the automated density measurement and data transfer means that the presses can be set more accurately and reliably. This precision is particularly important as it can also be used later on the sintered component to optimise the sintering curve of the furnace. The exact matching of press density to sintering density is crucial for the final quality of the component. Simulation models that calculate the distribution of the relative density in the green compact and predict the shrinkage of the moulded body during the sintering process are also of great importance in this context​​.

Conclusion

The integration of modern density measurement technologies into the powder pressing process, as demonstrated in Bavaria, is a significant advance in powder metallurgy. These technologies not only improve the efficiency and accuracy of the manufacturing process, but also help to optimise the properties and reliability of the end products. Such advances in manufacturing technology open up new horizons in materials science and industrial production.